Description

　　Summary

　　Under the direction of the Production Supervisor, the Animal Caretaker will attend to the welfare and environment of the chickens and adhere to industry animal welfare practices and procedures. They will monitor and report the conditions of the barns where the birds reside to ensure a safe and productive environment. In addition, the Animal Caretaker will perform light maintenance on facilities and equipment.

　　Key Responsibilities

　　Ensure the security of chickens and the premises by keeping all facility doors locked to protect birds from predators, external climate and unauthorized personnelDocument completed tasks on a daily and weekly basisObserve bird health and proper supply of feed, light, air and water dailyProperly collect and dispose of mortalityPlace chickens back into the system when the lights turn offWalk rows of chickens and check egg lines for egg blockagesObserve and complete the daily cleaning of manure belt equipmentSweep and clean different areas of the poultry housesMaintain and monitor ventilation systems to ensure proper ventilation in the chicken housesSafely operate required equipment and toolsFollow all company safety policies and practicesDemonstrate an understanding of laying hen husbandryComprehend and operate the automated environmental and egg flow computersContinuously monitor bird health and production of laying hens in houses reporting findings to Production Manager/SupervisorPerform tasks associated with moving birds in and out of houses to include handling bird moving equipment and cleaning with pneumatic or pressurized waterMonitor bird service activities, i.e. birds in/out, with an emphasis on animal welfareFollow all company policies and proceduresPerform other duties as assignedQualifications

　　To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

　　Education and/or Experience

　　High School diploma, GED, or equivalency preferred1 year experience in agricultural environment and animal care is preferredKnowledge, Skills and Abilities

　　Must be self-directed and organizedAbility to track and document all activities with correct forms and paperworkStrong communication skills so that others will understand both verbally and in writingWorking knowledge of agricultural operations preferredDetail orientedAbility to interact with individuals from diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgroundsRecord of good attendance with a flexible scheduleBasic reading, writing, and math skillsPositive attitude and ability to work with a teamMust enjoy working in close contact with animalsPhysical Demands

　　Stand and walk constantly; grip, grasp, push, pull, reach, bend, stoop, lift up to 10 pounds frequently; sit, climb, lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.

　　Work Environment

　　Frequently exposed to moving mechanical parts and airborne particles. Temperature varies in relation to the outside temperature. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Proper personal protective equipment will be required during certain working conditions.

　　Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

　　The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part o their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)